Azimio Youth League Chair Solomon Kuria Chides Raila as He Resigns

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition Youth League Chairperson Solomon Kuria has resigned from the position, citing the planned anti-government protests. 

In a resignation letter to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Kuria said he was never consulted regarding plans to hold nationwide protests against alleged injustices committed by President Ruto’s administration.

He further stated that the demos are against the Azimio coalition’s pledge to keep peace in the nation throughout and after the August 9th general election regardless of the outcome of the vote. 

“We documented the resolve to only rely on the courts in the event we lost the elections…There was consensus on killing the culture of wastage associated with disputed elections when the resolving of the same was subject to extra-judicial resolutions,” he said.

“It is strange that nobody found it necessary to consult or inform me of any of these plans much as I am the representative of the largest constituency of the membership of the Party, youth,” he added.

Kuria maintained that he would have opposed any plans to hold protests in the country in order to keep the youth engaged and shield them from potential violence.

"For the avoidance of doubt. I would have said a big no to the same considering it goes against everything I assumed the coalition stood for. We all know that youth are always the casualty in the event these activities become violent," he said. "Youth are supposed to be busy working or looking for opportunities not held hostage in unproductive political rallies."

He further castigated a section of Azimio leaders for urging Kenyans to default on the Hustler Fund, which was launched by President Ruto to provide cheap loans to small business owners.

“A leader worth his salt would appreciate that this is taxpayers’ money that works as a revolving fund and as such only helps change lives when initial beneficiaries repay,” he said.

"These and many other reasons make me feel that this Party has chosen a different path from the one agreed upon at inception. I cannot be a member, leave alone an official of a Political Party that seems to stand for everything I don't believe in.”